Dear Congressman Taylor:

I am a mature Licensed Professional Counselor and a doctoral candidate for my PhD in Clinical Psychology which I expect to receive soon. Three years ago I tried to obtain medical insurance and was turned down because of a pre-existing condition. My health problems have increased since then and I have been diligent about maintaining coverage without a break in service because I know that “pre-existing” conditions would prevent me from getting health services. I also know from my experience working at insurance companies that the bottom line is profit, not health.

I currently pay $440.63 for my COBRA which will expire in February, 2010.  In spite of the fact that I am a productive member of society I cannot obtain health insurance on my own, so I will need to find work with an agency and let go of private practice and contract work.  And in spite of heaving health insurance, I am paying off medical bills from balances, deductibles and other items not covered.

The American Counseling Association, of which I am a member, tried for years to get group health insurance for their members but had to give up because they could NOT find any insurance company that would cover a group of mature counselors. (The ACA has thousands of members.)

I have thought about moving to Canada or England where I could get health care, and I know that would break my father’s heart.  He was a highly decorated Vietnam era Naval Fighter pilot who died September 30, 2005 when a Taxus stent failed and killed him.

Please support healthcare reform that includes an option to insurance companies.